A pick is held between the thumb and index fingers. As picking has a vertical motion there is always the back and forth components when playing on a single string. Playing a note each way is called the alternate picking technique. Playing only on the way down is the down stroke technique.

Fast runs are best played using alternate picking but a strong eighth note pump sounds best using down strokes. Playing all over the neck might require both down strokes and alternate picking.

Down Strokes

This video is notated as Example A6 and uses a combination of down strokes and alternate picking. The quieter notes towards the end of the piece are produced using the palm muting technique where you rest the palm of your hand lightly on the strings as you pick.

Alternate Picking

Moving the pick up and down on the string is called alternate picking because the pattern alternates between up and down. Alternate picking usually begins with a down stroke. This technique is common in metal bands as it assists speed.